What Causes Bladder Cancer?

While the exact cause of bladder cancer is not always clear, several factors can increase the risk of developing this condition:

1. Tobacco Use: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine, directly exposing the bladder lining to carcinogens.
2. Exposure to Chemicals: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals such as arsenic, benzidine, and aromatic amines used in industries like dyeing, textiles, and rubber manufacturing can elevate the risk of bladder cancer.
3. Age and Gender: Bladder cancer occurs more frequently in older adults, with the majority of cases diagnosed after the age of 55. Men are also more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
4. Chronic Bladder Inflammation: Conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the bladder, such as recurrent urinary tract infections or long-term use of urinary catheters, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
5. Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations can predispose individuals to bladder cancer. While rare, certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, are associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Detecting bladder cancer early greatly improves treatment outcomes. However, symptoms may not manifest until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Common signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): One of the most prevalent symptoms of bladder cancer is hematuria, which may cause urine to appear pink, red, or cola-colored. Hematuria can be intermittent, occurring on and off over time.
• Frequent Urination: Bladder cancer can irritate the bladder, leading to increased frequency of urination, even when the bladder is not full.
• Painful Urination: Some individuals with bladder cancer may experience pain or a burning sensation during urination.
• Back or Pelvic Pain: Advanced bladder cancer may cause pain in the lower back or pelvis, as the tumor grows and affects surrounding tissues.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs that do not respond to treatment may indicate an underlying bladder issue, including cancer.

Treatment Options

The treatment approach for bladder cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the grade of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and their preferences. Common treatment options include:

Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor, known as transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), is often the first-line treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In cases where the cancer has spread into deeper layers of the bladder wall, more extensive surgery, such as partial or radical cystectomy, may be necessary.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs may be administered directly into the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy) or orally or intravenously to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors before or after surgery.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs, such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. BCG therapy is commonly used to prevent recurrence of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after surgery.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to treat bladder cancer that has invaded surrounding tissues or as palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms in advanced cases.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. These drugs may be used in cases where bladder cancer does not respond to standard treatments.